What is the goal of ensuring professional integrity according to the code of conduct?

The goal of ensuring professional integrity according to the code of conduct is to maintain trust within the profession. Professional integrity is fundamental to building and sustaining confidence not only among practitioners but also between professionals and their clients, the public, and other stakeholders. When integrity is prioritized, it fosters an environment where ethical behaviors are the norm, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. This trust is crucial for the effective functioning of professional relationships and for the overall credibility of the industry.

Maintaining trust is essential because, without it, the profession can suffer from reputational damage, leading to a lack of client confidence and potentially harming the practice as a whole. Trust forms the bedrock of professional interactions, setting the standard for how professionals conduct themselves and how they are perceived by both the public and their peers.